Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global challenge, but they can be turned into reality only if they are translated in concrete local commitments and actions, producing an effective change on the ground. This was the key issue debated by local and regional leaders from the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) with top representatives of the United Nations and the European Commission convened in two workshops held at the COR on 4 June.
Financing SDGs territorialisation
During the first workshop with representatives from the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, CoR members engaged in a dialogue on overcoming financial barriers to SDG implementation on the ground within in the European Union, where regional and local leaders showcased best practices and innovative financing solutions, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration from EU institutions. They further highlighted the substantial achievements of regions and cities and aimed to reignite dialogue after the CoR's significant contributions to the EU Voluntary Review in 2023 in order to achieve them at all levels of governance.
Markku Markkula (FI/EPP), president of the Helsinki Region, said: “The use of SDGs is instrumental in tackling our burning challenges. Systemic EU-wide transformation towards carbon neutrality requires joint commitment and EU financing for collaborative breakthrough initiatives (using partnerships for regional innovation - PRIs). SDGs foster inclusive, transparent governance that empowers citizens to actively participate in shaping their future.”
Sari Rautio (FI/EPP), Member of Hämeenlinna City Council. Highlighted that: "It is crucial to understand that the SDGs is a systemic package. They are all connected to each other. and we do need to act in economical, ecological and social level. And not to forget the cultural one. That is why the real change is made where we the people are – on the local level. Small changes make the big change for future– everyday."
EU-UN Policy Dialogue on SDG Localisation
During a policy dialogue which followed the preceding workshop, local and regional leaders discussed with EU and UN officials the reviewed progress and challenges in SDG localization on the international level. Participants agreed on a set of joint policy messages and technical cooperation strategies, aligning with upcoming UN milestone events and the new EU leadership's priorities. The event, co-organised with the European commission and the UN Local2030 coalition, underscored the CoR's commitment to SDG localization and resulted in actionable insights, including the development of a roadmap for joint initiatives between the EU and the UN through mid-2025. By focusing on financing opportunities, the dialogue addressed a critical barrier to SDG implementation and set the stage for future cooperation on sustainable development goals.
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In 2023, the United Nations published the 2023 UN mid-term SDG review, which revealed that the impacts of the climate crisis, the war in Ukraine, a weak global economy, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused weaknesses and hindered progress towards the Goals to be achieved by 2030. The report further warns that while lack of progress is universal, it is the world’s poorest and most vulnerable who are experiencing the worst effects of these unprecedented global challenges. While highlighting the existing gaps and urging the world to redouble its efforts, the report also emphasizes the immense potential for success through strong political will and the utilization of available technologies, resources, and knowledge.
As progress towards the SDGs is seriously lagging behind, localising the SDGs, i.e. promoting a leading role for local and regional authorities to implement the 2030 agenda, is increasingly recognised not only as a success story of sustainable development to date but also as one of the key accelerators moving forward. This is because local governments' involvement is key to achieving nearly two-thirds of the SDGs, but also due to their detailed knowledge of needs and their ability to integrate different approaches and responses and tailor them to the realities of their territories. The CoR has long promoted the role of local and regional authorities in development cooperation, particularly through decentralised cooperation.